Ultraviolette Automotive, an innovative electric two-wheeler startup based in Bengaluru, India, recently marked its debut in Europe by unveiling the Ultraviolette F99 electric race bike at the prestigious EICMA motorcycle show in 2023. This high-performance track-focused model stands distinct from the F77 electric motorcycle revealed by the company at the 2023 Auto Expo in India.
The F99 has been designed from the ground up by Ultraviolette co-founder Narayan Subramaniam to deliver uncompromising racing capabilities suited for the track. It packs significantly higher power, acceleration, and top speed figures than the road-going F77 – claiming up to 120 hp, 0-100 km/h in 3 seconds, and a scarcely believable 265 kmph top whack.
According to Niraj Rajmohan, Co-Founder & CTO at Ultraviolette, the F99 represents the company’s commitment to spearheading innovation in the global electric two-wheeler space and pushing boundaries within the high-performance racing domain. He expressed pride in the company’s achievement of bringing cutting-edge patented technology and delivering unparalleled riding experiences to customers, both for the track and the open road. The European debut is an exciting milestone for Ultraviolette as it looks to establish itself as a leader in electric two-wheeler technology globally.
Aerodynamic Design Language Inspired by Fighter Jets
In terms of design and styling, the Ultraviolette F99 race bike unveiled at EICMA draws cues from fighter jets – featuring aggressive winglets, aerodynamic cowls, an upswept tail section, and the company’s signature ultraviolet light accent integrated into the LED headlamp.
It sports a trio of color schemes, with a combination of black, gray, and fluorescent accents. The bike skips road-going necessities like mirrors and license plate holders, instead opting for race-spec ergonomics like rear set footpegs, barely-there padding on the seat, and clip-on handlebars that position the rider aggressively over the front end for an optimal track attack stance.
To aid stability and compliance on the track, the Ultraviolette F99 benefits from premium suspension hardware – right-side-up forks up front and a mono-shock unit at the rear. Further complementing the race-bred persona are components like the single-sided swingarm, exposed metallic frame, and beefy upside-down front forks.
Innovative Active Aerodynamics Package
What makes the Ultraviolette F99 truly unique is its active aerodynamics package – the first of its kind on an electric two-wheeler. This patented innovation by the company comprises two high-tech systems:
- Air Windshield – Uses two front cowl-mounted ducts that channel air to power a compressor motor. This compressed air is then released precisely through vanes around the rider’s helmet, creating a barrier of high-velocity molecules that reduces aerodynamic drag.
- Air Blade – An electronically controlled section of the side fairing panels that adapts the bike’s downforce as per lean angle when cornering, enhancing stability.
Blurring the Lines Between Video Game and Reality
Simply put, one look at the Ultraviolette F99 concept is enough to convince you that it has come straight out of the latest racing video game. The slick, spaceship-like design backed by fighter jet inspirations and real-world aerodynamic innovations showcases the company’s commitment to pushing the performance envelope.
While concrete details on the powertrain are scarce, the claimed 120 hp power output and sub-3 second 0-100 km/h sprint time does indicate serious performance. This physics-defying motorcycle seems capable of threatening the track lap records of much more powerful ICE superbikes.
What Next for the Ultraviolette F99?
Ultraviolette is yet to disclose definitive plans on the F99 electric race bike – whether it will remain purely as a track-only model or if a road-legal trim is also on the cards. However, the company has tentatively slated the global launch timeline of this electric racer for 2025 at an expected ex-showroom price of ₹8 lakh in India.
The company seems focused on the European launch of its debut electric motorcycle, the Ultraviolette F77, with deliveries set to begin in Q2 of 2024. Nonetheless, the race-inspired F99 has already managed to capture the world’s attention as a tesseract for the future of electric motorcycles. It certainly seems capable of giving even the quickest petrol-powered liter-class superbikes a run for their money!